Those visiting Carmody's Newsagency may have noticed a new title available from the "Bard of Boorowa" Robert Corkhill.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The book Apples Will Grow Again! is a collection of Robert's poems started in 2011 and finished by his family following his death in 2017.
Anna (Corckhill) Evans said her father always spoke about how he would like to compile a book of his poetry.
"He was a humble man and wanted something affordable that would offer the reader the opportunity to reflect and smile," she said.
"In 2011 Dad and I commenced a weekly book meeting starting with the ritual of morning tea at 9.30am. Mum was integral to these meetings and would go about her morning jobs providing sustenance and giving valued input.
"For Dad, being a farmer and father of ten children would often mean "the book business" of the morning was cancelled or disrupted by incoming visitors or other jobs that arose. Dad showed great patience at times just laughing and nodding, while under his breath we were sure he was saying 'this is never going to happen'," she said.
Anna said described the time shared with her father putting the book together during as "golden".
"It was like time stood still and all present were entrenched in dad's words, waiting eagerly for his next line," she said.
"Everyone who heard Dad recite his poems was in awe of his words, the tone of his voice and his great ability to make a story come alive. Over the years although we may have heard some poems numerous times, each time was like the first time we would laugh, or cry and we still do.
"Most poems had an accompanying background story, and Dad would write them as if the reader was privy to the history. Many of dad's tales seem familiar to those who have lived the ups and downs of country life.
"The characters and tone might also seem familiar as well, Dad was strongly influenced by the masters of Australian bush verse such as Henry Lawson, Banjo Patterson and John O'Brien," she said.
Anna said the book was also a time to learn about her family's history and the people that played a significant role in her father's life.
"In 2019, mum, myself and other family members decided it was time to get serious and finish the book," she said.
"Mum wanted it in time for Christmas presents and we also thought it would bring people joy and take their minds off the drought and the day-to-day implications of difficult times like these.
"That was after all, what dad wanted, and it just seemed like the right time. A designer and printer were engaged and finalising the layout, concept, the poems and photos along with last-minute editing commenced," she said.
Anna said her father had selected the poems and their sequence in the book, while family members gave advice and helped compile it.
"Dad chose the poems which he thought would be of interest to local people, people living on the land and people interested in hearing Australian verse," she said.
"The poems were chosen for a purpose. As Dad says in the introductory words 'Some times in life are serious and I have written poems for these occasions. Humorous or happy verse appeals to me most, as I think in this life we should laugh or smile every chance we get'.
"When Dad died suddenly in 2017, he left behind his unpublished works - notebooks full of stories, poems and memories.
"Even though it was heart-breaking without him, with our mother's strength and encouragement, we continued the book meetings and added old family photos as a tribute to dad.
READ MORE: Water restrictions rise to level four
"He would not be happy with all the photos of him, but we believe they add a sense of history and colour to dad's words. As one person said, 'the photos bring the words to life'," she said.
On behalf of Robert, Leonie and family, Anna wishes to thank all the family and friends who had helped them during the process as well as the design and printing teams.
"Thank you to our sister Frances and the team at Qote for the editing, design and printing and for their patience and dedication to the project she said.
"Thank you to our beloved mum, for being the driving force behind the completion of the book.
"Our gratitude goes out to all of those that supplied photos, dates and history. The great thing about Apples Will Grow Again! is that as much as its ours, its everybody's - the poems are relatable and hopefully it will encourage other people to look at their family history, trove the archives and keep their stories alive.
"On behalf of Dad we would like to express a sincere thank you to our immediate and extended family, friends and the Boorowa community for your inspiration, enthusiasm and support of dad's poetry over the years. May his legacy live on," she said.
Apples Will Grow Again! is now available for purchase at Carmody's Newsagency, Boorowa.
You can also email thecorkhillpoet1@gmail.com to order a copy and have it posted to you ($25 plus postage)
